#semi-arid farming

[farmerstrend]

From Struggle to Success: Cotton Farmers in Machakos See Better Returns Amid Price Increase

“Cotton farmers in Machakos County celebrate a price increase from local textile industries, bringing hope and better returns to the semi-arid region.” “Discover how cotton farmers in Machakos are benefiting from a price boost, improving livelihoods and revitalizing the local agriculture sector.” “The price review by a local textile industry offers a lifeline to cotton farmers in Machakos, ending…

[froody]

Imagine you hired an obscenely drunk Union soldier in a saloon to kill your husband. He manages to accomplish the deed by removing the bullets from your husband’s gun through a sleight of hand trick before challenging him to a duel. This is somewhat impressive but what is more impressive is his strong work ethic, ingenuity, Irish accent, subtle chivalry and big brown eyes. You marry him and move onto the 15 acres of semi-arid land on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert he stubbornly wants to farm. He wants to name your firstborn daughter after his cavalry horse in the Civil War and your firstborn son after his commanding officer. He calls you widow woman as a term of endearment. He’s a good shot, he’s a good cattleman, a great husband and a subpar father. But what else can you ask from a man who lost his entire family in the Famine and came to this country alone at the age of 14?

Imagine you are a former Union soldier. You are 22 years old. You were only 19 when you enlisted, an Irish immigrant who worked in a livery stable in Cleveland until the outbreak of the war. You fought valiantly. You survived. In lieu of wages, you accepted a parcel of land in New Mexico territory. You’ve never had anything that was truly your own. Except for, perhaps, your horse. You arrive in New Mexico for the first time in your uniform, your horse goes lame the second you step onto your parcel, it’s so dry and rocky and red and you do not think it’s arable. You have to put down your horse. She dies with her head in your lap and you cry so hard you think you’ll die with her. When you’re done giving her a wake, knowing you have no ability to bury her, you begin walking in the direction of Las Cruces. Maybe you can sell this cursed land. Maybe you can get a job. First, a toast to Lula, the mare, the closest thing to family you have had in this country.

You’re seeing double by the time a little woman with an appraising expression approaches you. She is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, perhaps even better in double. A little older than you. Long, dark wavy hair that cascades over her shoulders, a perfect round face, a warm brown complexion and the most troubled eyes you have ever seen on a woman. What is most miraculous is that she wants to talk to you. You, drunk, sunburnt, covered in dust, the blood of your horse soaked into your pant leg. She motions to your pistol. She says she will pay you to do a job, pay you handsomely, enough to buy another horse. She says her husband is rich, he enticed her away from her family when she was very young, he holds her captive in his hacienda, he hurts her. He must be killed so that she can return to her sisters and live without fear. You will do it, you must do it. You do not care how much of the story is factual. You do not care if she intends to have the sheriff string you up after the deed is done. You do not care if she cannot pay the money she promised. You would do anything to remove the sorrow from her eyes. You kill her husband and sleep fine afterwards.

You do not buy that horse. You stay in the hacienda while she is out selling the bits and pieces of her husband’s life. You meet her sisters when they come, you help her pack away the pieces of her life so that she may start anew. You tell her of your own plans to start anew, of the patch of rocky soil that is your own. She tells you she grew up on land like that, tells you that it has always been her dream to work it. When her sisters leave for the mountains, she leaves with you.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Yale Environment 360:

Here in Burnt Corn Valley, smack in the middle of the Navajo reservation’s vast Black Mesa region, the hilly land both craves water and is brutalized by it. The sandy Arizona soil cracks under a punishing August sun as red-striped blister beetles search for moisture across its baked surface. Cottonwood trees and sagebrush rise from deep gullies carved by floodwaters that, during the intensifying summer monsoon, sluice off surrounding mesas and wash away fragile topsoil — reminders that with climate change, even quenching rains harbor powers of destruction.

This portrait of climatic havoc belies a softer reality, though. Farming once thrived in this parched region and could once again — if the right practices are adopted. Exhibit A: The crops on Roberto Nutlouis’s 12-acre Sliding Rock Farm, in his reservation hometown of Piñon, a five-hour drive north of Phoenix. “The corn is actually pretty big and thriving,” Nutlouis says. He believes — and both Western science and the lived experience of his Native elders affirm — that the traditional rock and stick structures he’s built on his property, which help store water and prevent erosion, have a lot to do with it. These structures, similar to those used by Native peoples long before Europeans arrived on the continent, are not only delivering water to crops (the broader, 27,000-square-mile reservation has the highest reported rate of food insecurity in the U.S.). They are also restoring Nutlouis’s watershed and those of his neighbors, helping to sequester carbon, and reviving this high-desert ecosystem. It’s all part of a bigger effort among a range of local and regional grassroots organizations to build back the reservation’s fragile, depleted ecosystems and bring greater sovereignty over food, water, and health to its communities.

Diné (the Navajo name for themselves) are well aware that climate change is making the weather on their semi-arid plateau weirder, wilder, and more destructive. Depending on elevation, precipitation in Black Mesa averages 6 to 16 inches a year; recent heat extremes — the Navajo government declared a state of emergency in 2023 due to soaring temperatures —mean that the scant water evaporates more quickly. Climate models predict the region will experience increasing droughts that decimate plant life, part of a growing trend of human-caused desertification across the globe, as well as higher-intensity seasonal rainfall, which can sweep away crops and roads. The ecological health of the reservation has also been weakened by deforestation from timbering operations and from overgrazing over the years.

Still, this season, Nutlouis, 44, has been able to skip his usual two-hour roundtrip drive to a reliable well to haul water home for his corn. His crop is healthy and hydrated because his land still holds last winter’s snowmelt. Clearly, his heavy labor over the past 20 years — during which he has built woven brush dams, gabions (wirework cages filled with rocks), earthen berms, concrete spillways and trenches, limestone aprons and walls, and stone-lined “Zuni bowls,” which stabilize eroding streambeds — is paying off.

[pedritapascal]

Max Lord Always Gets What He Wants.

Maxwell Lord Always Gets What He Wants

WARNINGS: Explicit Sex; Sex Language; SA; Fingers; Tongue; Nudity; Explicit Details

Pedro Pascal's character - Maxwell Lord aka Max Lord - [ML]

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Being in a place like this really suits me. I don't know at what point during the phone call last night, while Jimmy was telling me about what was happening on the Indian reservation in Montana, I thought it would be a good idea to just take the first flight out in the morning to get here.

I look around to see the fence lying on the ground, on one side some Crow tribesmen with rifles resting on their shoulders, pistols in their holsters as they ride their Appaloosas or Arabian horses on the other side of the territory once marked only by the precarious wooden and wire fence on the ground, is the richest family in Montana.

The big case here is, where a huge herd of buffalo can be seen in the distance, it's the land of the Crow tribe, and on the other side of the fence where there are three huge, grim-faced men and where I can see some pedestrians arriving on their tricycles, it's the land of Mr. Lord, yes, Maxwell Lord IV, my father's best friend. Not that I ever really spoke to the man, because he was always meeting with Dad talking about riches and lands, our family gatherings on big occasions or closed contracts, always very cordial and kind to me, I can't remember a time when Max didn't frequent our family. And despite this, I still followed him around the salon whenever I had the chance, wasting a minute or two more on the newspapers where pictures of him appeared. Always overbearing in his luxury suits.

- The animals are here now, no matter what you say, they're ours now - Lodge Grass, the tribe's leader, arches an eyebrow, his strong jaw moving and clenching as he chews his tobacco

And then the whole argument starts again, I try to calm it down, the fact is that yes, the animals are from the Lord's farm, and yes, the buffalo even have a cattle brand on their ear listing each one, but they are here on Indian land now. When the men raise their guns, the weather heats up, the thin trickle of sweat running down the back of my neck gives me goosebumps, and this has nothing to do with Montana's 37° heat, the midday sun doing its job along with the arid terrain…

- Hey hey, Mick, put the damn gun down, Lodge is right - I speak with one foot on either side of the divider where the fence is, right on the division of the land, my hands up asking everyone to calm down before they actually pull the trigger and I end up like a sieve in the middle of this semi-desert. - What a great idea, huh?

- Get out of the way, little girl, you shouldn't be here - Mick complains, pointing his gun at Catori, who is very tense on his horse to my right…

- Well, I guess there's not much point in me coming here every weekend to train the horses on the Lord's estate, is there?

- What the hell? - I hear Mick talking as a helicopter approaches us, dust flies around us, I have to put my hand in front of my eyes to keep from going blind, the loud noise of the propellers makes me dizzy, or maybe it's the logo of the Lord family empire that gives me a damn vertigo, strange things happen in my stomach that tightens and retracts as if I were on the long descent of a roller coaster

- What is it, boys? We can solve this in a civilized way - I hear his voice low, hoarse, the sexy sound of it brushes across my skin like a caress giving me goosebumps, even with the sound of the helicopter gradually diminishing, the propellers stopping turning, his voice is still powerful and strong, like a general making himself heard in the middle of war

The farmhands lower their weapons and I watch as the men behind me refuse to lower theirs, still under their horses.

Maxwell is wearing a dark gray three-piece suit, his black dress shoes match the suspenders I could see when the ends of the suit flew off. His gaze is hidden by his sunglasses.

I turn to look in the direction of the white corsair with dark spots

- Don't you see my niece here? - The voice sounds so much closer now, I feel arms wrap around my waist in an innocent hug

- "That's my favorite niece," he whispered so quietly next to my ear as he looked at me over his glasses, that if it weren't for the shiver that went straight down my spine I'd think I'd just imagined the words.

- "Hi Uncle Max," I shrug, feeling my cheeks heat up strangely, and snort at the indignation of my traitorous body wanting to blush. I don't blush

- Mick, let it go, a few head of cattle won't make any difference - Max slings an arm over my shoulder and starts guiding me towards the helicopter, not taking much notice of the situation…

- But Sir Lord - Mick complains - There's hundreds of dollars in there - The man grunts, sounding disgusted

Maxwell Lord says nothing, just looks at the man, stops him in his tracks and continues his confident steps, guiding me. I'm amazed at how easily he gave up so much money and how quickly he solved the problem by helping the indigenous people in the end.

- When are you going to New York? Has your father told you anything about winning a scholarship? I don't know what the options are, but you should move there - he said, not wanting to talk about what had just happened

I didn't ask him how he knew what was going on here, after all he always seems to know everything, and I didn't need to ask him why he came in person to sort it out. I think your friendship with my father is important enough for him to want to guarantee my safety.

- You make it sound as if I have somewhere to live other than under the bridge - I scoff lowly

"It's not just because my father has some money that he did anything for me, he was very firm after my teenage years that I should make my own money, especially when I refused to follow the career path he had planned for me.

Me, a defense lawyer? That would never work, and he thought it was far inferior to his little girl to be studying political science with an emphasis on social welfare.

- Don't be silly girl, I have an apartment there, you can make yourself at home. - As long as you don't mind me stopping by once in a while on business.

At that moment he had his glasses off and I could see those brown eyes shining at me in the warm sun and I forgot what to say

- Let's see - as he stretches out his hand, beckoning me to get on the helicopter with him, I just say no - I'm going to take advantage of being here and get on with my work, I miss my... your horses - I smile, remembering who's really in charge here

- See you soon then - he kisses my hand, puts his glasses back on and disappears into the helicopter…

************************************************************************

Moving to New York was one of the best choices I could have made, I still miss the farm and the horses I used to train, seven months is a long time without riding, without feeling the wind whipping my hair and the horse's breath synchronized with mine, intelligent and sensitive animals those, able to understand me better than any human being, not to mention the always cold climate of New York and the people always in a hurry and who didn't seem to see you…

Max showed up here four times during that time, none of them telling me he was coming, and I didn't really care, he proved to be great company, we ended up watching something or talking about trivial matters, the last time I just watched as he worked, the sleeves of his dress shirt folded up to his elbows, his tense body hunched forward, looking at a pile of papers, his hair still in place even after hours of work, that day he wore a petrol blue vest and my legs felt weak from watching him concentrate, I can still feel the slight dampness between my legs just with the memory...

I shake my head, trying to concentrate on the papers in front of me, the many books spread out in front of me, having chosen political science as my major is killing me...

I stand up a little to stretch, the black baby doll rides up my back as I stretch and reach for a book on the other side of the table

- Ufhh - I hear a loud sigh behind me and I jump up looking over my shoulder with my heart racing from the shock.

- Hey, it's you - I giggle, going over to Max to give him a hug - I got a fright.

- I didn't mean to - he smiles and hugs me back, his chin resting on the top of my head while his hands go around my waist and rest on my hips, stroking with his thick fingers.

- You look tired - I say, noticing the soft dark circles under his brown eyes, today he's just wearing a white shirt, a black suspender that matches his dress pants and Italian shoes, his jacket hanging on the rack in the hallway

- It's been a long week - he goes into the kitchen, ignoring the papers scattered on the counter, all the things I need to study for next week's exam - I'm going to open some wine to relax, will you join me?

He shakes a bottle of Domaine Leflaive Montrachet, I didn't know much about wine, but I knew it wasn't the cheap stuff I sometimes drank at night while studying, it would certainly be one of the most expensive wines in the world, and even though I'd love to share a glass with him, I thought I'd better not risk it

- It's better not - I say laughing, watching as he pours a good amount into a glass and then grabs another from the cupboard that I can barely reach without standing on my tiptoes, he doesn't even have to stretch - Wine has an effect on me very quickly - smiling in a corner and a little miffed at having been...flirtatious, I shrug, looking away and going into the living room to find something to watch.

- Oh, you're not going to do that, are you? - I saw him coming with both of them in his hand, both with two fingers of wine in each

Well, since it was in the glass, I wasn't going to waste it. I sat down and picked up the glass and he sat down next to me and started telling me about his turbulent day. I loved it when he told me about his problems and asked me for advice on how to act in certain situations where he had to deal with emotion, because according to him, he didn't have a heart, he was 100% rational and that's how you won in life...

He loved how much I paid attention to every word he said and with my raised eyebrows I only ignored when he said that this world would eat me alive if I kept being so sweet...

- Little one, ignore what I say about you being sweet, keep it up, bring balance... it's just today that was - he gasps tiredly, leaning back against the sofa, while I finished my second glass of wine...

And I saw how comfortable he was with me, tie loosened, two buttons open, sleeves folded...

Max pulled my legs apart and let me rest on his lap, his big, warm hand sliding down my calf to my knee as we laughed to some movie playing at a very low volume in the background. I wasn't even paying attention anymore.

And with the first sip of the third glass, my legs itched where I felt his skin touching them, I felt hot and wet, my stomach light and my thoughts running like torrents in my head. When I felt his fingers on my lower thigh, I let out a low moan, unable to disguise the way he was touching me, my skin so tingling that it was impossible for him not to have noticed the hairs on my arm that were bristling

- Max - I moaned again when he put my legs on his lap and I felt the huge erection there

I don't know who moved first, who pulled who or how it happened, I just realized that I was straddling his lap, my thighs hugging his hips while I was right on top of his big, bulging erection. His mouth hit mine hungrily and the low moan I heard made me gasp and get even more aroused, my panties practically sticking to my wet pussy as I began to roll slowly onto his lap

Our tongues intertwined as he deepened the kiss, the wet kiss, with teeth and bites, that slow kiss that leaves your legs weak and your heart racing wildly in your chest. Max's hands grabbed my ass and pressed it hard against his cock, making me moan even more into his mouth, fuck yes, I could feel his length right on my clit. My hands on his face, holding him back for fear that he might run away from me, even though I was the one who should have run away...

- We can't, shit this is wrong - I gasped as our mouths parted

He grabbed me by the back of the neck and pulled me into another kiss, silencing my protests. One of his domineering hands went to my waist and guided me back into the movements so that we could rub together.

My hands now in his hair, gripping and squeezing the back of his neck, we looked like two teenagers who had never experienced a hard-on before in their lives.

I pushed his chest so that he lay back on the sofa and I opened the remaining buttons button by button, so lost in my own hard-on that I could barely think, and just feeling was taking an enormous effort. My hands were shaking, I don't know if it was because I was so horny or because I was so tense that it was really happening. That's when I felt his fingers squeezing my ass, making me rub my honeyed pussy, covered only by the thin fabric of my panties, even harder against his hard cock.

No, it definitely wasn't another dream about Maxwell Lord, he was there, touching me eagerly and thirsty for me too...

As much as it hurt between my legs, I really wanted to taste him. I moved away enough to unzip Max's pants, it was a martyrdom and he complained when he no longer felt the heat of my body so close to his.

When I sidestepped your mouth, kissing your cheek, then biting your neck, dragging my tongue across your chest and past one of your nipples, I looked up and saw your naughty, cornered smile.

- "It's so wrong, Max, but I want it so much," I said whimpering, the weight of my conscience trying to bring some sense to my horny thoughts.

- I want it too, little one, I've always wanted it - he caresses my cheek and just that light touch gives me the strength to continue, he lifts his hips when I pull his underpants down a little to release his erection.

His cock is big, so big that my eyes widen in surprise. It must be about 18 centimeters long, with veins and a bulbous head that's red and irritated with lust, the little pearly drop at the tip makes me salivate with desire as if I hadn't sucked a cock in 84 years.

- You're so beautiful here," I say, stretching out my tongue and catching the drop of pre-cum, moaning when I taste it on my tongue.

- That's it, my little whore, I want to see all my cock in that delicious mouth." The thick, husky voice makes me sigh, he gathers all my hair in his fist and guides my head towards the huge head of his cock.

I wrap my mouth around it, taking in every inch, taking care not to scrape my teeth, I feel his strong thighs tense under my fingers, and I look up in time to see his head falling back and his eyes closing, his fingers tighten in my hair and he pushes slowly so that I swallow more.

- Go on, a bit more, swallow all of my cock - he says quietly, as if he can't keep the strength in his voice and God, I love being able to do that to him.

I relax my throat and swallow the remaining centimeters, feeling the head of his cock touch my throat and throb with my tongue

- Oh, fuck. You're so good at sucking me small

I moved up and down, pressing my lips around the veins and dragging my tongue along the underside, his fingers gripped my hair tightly, immobilizing me, and then he fucked my mouth, pumping, making the head of his cock slip into the back of my mouth again and again.

I grabbed his balls and massaged them between my fingers, motivated by the moans and grunts Max let out as he fucked my mouth.

- Oh my God, stop or I'll come - God, I was loving how he was begging me, the mighty Maxwell Lord, begging me?

He kept begging me as he tried to stop me from continuing.

But I squeezed my lips tighter around his length, my tongue swirling around and over the slit at the tip every time I almost pulled it out of my mouth and then swallowed as much as I could.

I could feel his balls throbbing in my fingers, my legs tensed and he thrust one last hard thrust, moaning as he came in my mouth, the thick strands of cum running down my throat, making me smile and suck the tip clean.

When I sat on his leg, I wiped the corners of my mouth with my thumb, saw how his brown eyes were blazing at me and how his chest was rising and falling while his breathing still hadn't returned to normal...

Max settled down with me on his lap again, one hand sliding up my thigh to grab my ass and the other wiping away the tears that had formed in my eyes when I slid his cock into my mouth.

- I thought I'd told you to stop - he says, squeezing my cheeks with his hand and without leaving me time to reply, he kisses me, tasting himself in my mouth and exploring everything with his tongue

I feel a naughty finger passing through my ass and going to the tight bundle of nerves making me a little tense but then he goes down moaning in my mouth when he feels my panties all wet, pulling them aside he runs two fingers through my pussy and sighs biting my bottom lip

- All wet for me, little one, look how you've made my fingers wet - he brings his wet fingers in front of my face before putting them in his mouth and sucking on them, making a Ploc with his lips.

I'm not a silent person, not really, but my brain seems so melted and full of serotonin that I can't think of anything witty to say in reply

- It's very nice here - Max says, grabbing my ass with both hands, his fingers so firm that I know I'll have his fingerprints all over me the next day - But my bed is bigger - he adds as he pulls me onto his lap.

Fuck that's wrong, very, very wrong. But fuck, I'm in love.

- Don't you think it's a bit strange? Us doing this, huh? - I ask, kissing his neck as he carries me towards the master bedroom he always uses when he comes over...

- No, nothing's wrong here - he presses his fingers into my ass and throws me onto the bed, making me squeal with laughter.

I take a moment just to look at Maxwell Lord, he looks like a Greek god of sex and sin, his hair, which has always been in order even after hours of work, is messy, his tie is open and hanging from his strong neck, his white shirt is open, showing the few hairs on his chest and the way to his doom, his forearms with thick, visible veins are bare and the fabric is folded up.

His suspenders are down, falling close to his knees, and his open pants show his black boxer briefs. On his face is the damn corner smile that makes me gasp and squeeze my legs together

Realizing how affected I am by the sight of him still dressed, he makes no effort to take off his clothes. Instead, he climbs onto the big bed on his knees like a lion ready to corner its prey, pushes my knees apart with his hands and stares at me seriously, taking off my baby doll shorts, and then when he grabs the ends of my panties, he tugs hard, tearing the fabric. I take advantage of this and finish taking off the rest so that he can have all of me...

His concentrated eyes focused completely between my legs, his red tongue flicked across my lips and he lowered himself without saying a word, taking a long lick of my soaked slit, from my perineum to my swollen clitoris I could feel the moist touch making me press my fingers into the pillow and close my eyes

- You have such a sweet little pussy - he said, giving it another long lick, making my legs tremble with tension - I'm going to love spending hours here

- Ho-hours? - I ask, choking when I feel his tongue penetrating my entrance and I feel his fingers parting my lips to give him better access - Fuck, Max, I'm not coming...

I grow silent as he runs his tongue up my clitoris in tight, languid circles, sucking and rubbing the nerve endings.

- Shiiiiiu, you're going to take it, I'm going to make you take it - he says with a cocky smile, always overbearing, and I love it - I'm going to give my little whore everything she needs, don't worry little one...

He adds a second finger to the first and goes back to sucking all over my pussy except the point where I need it, he licks and bites my lips, takes his fingers out and then sticks his tongue in as far as he can and then comes back with his fingers, driving me crazy, making me gasp and moan with abandon. The heat between my legs spreads to my belly and down my legs, my head feels heavy and I try to keep my eyes open looking at his handsome face as he pleasures me

Whenever I'm close to cumming, he slows down, making the shivers of orgasm go away and leaving me on the edge of the precipice of wonderful cumming and frustration, frustration that he soon pushes away as he begins his torture all over again.

- Oh shit, I never thought you'd be a patient man - I moan between my teeth when I feel the light blow right on my clit making me shiver and moan

The light slap on my breast came as punishment and then I felt his fingers roll over the nipple and squeeze the hard tip making me even crazier, pushing my hips towards him.

- I'm very patient - he punctuates by slipping a finger into me again, slowly in and out several times - You have no idea how much - a second finger joins the first and the movements speed up making me hopeful that he's finally going to make me come - I've had to wait a few years for this, I'm going to fuck you all night - he mumbles this last part, as if he thinks I'm going to refuse.

It seems so.

Three of his big, thick fingers fuck me and when they're all the way inside me he curves them slightly upwards, touching something very close to what I need. When his tongue touches my clit and I hear the moan of appreciation, I don't need much more than one or two stimulations to finally explode in an orgasm that makes me shudder and scream his name, my eyes shut tightly as my lungs explode with the air I didn't even realize I was holding.

It takes a while to feel his weight on top of me, his hand running down my leg from my calf to my thigh and pulling it towards his hip. I felt the big head of his cock at my entrance and stifled a surprised yelp when it slid all the way in in one hard, fluid movement

- Aah, fuck, don't move - I say panting, pressing my hands that were previously dead on the mattress to his back, trying to hold his body to mine and keep him still.

- "Fuck, you've got a huge cock," I complain, but I can't stop myself from smiling when I feel the lips on my neck - which had been kissing there before - stretching and the breath of his kettle laugh close to my ear.

- I'm not going to move - Max says, lifting his tight lips in concentration, his eyes two small, shiny slits, the wrinkles around his eyes and mouth appearing

- You're so fucking small everywhere, aren't you?

Now it's my turn to laugh. He squeezes my ass hard as if staying still like this is too much of an effort, I kiss his chin, and his neck, run my nails lightly down his back and try to roll over feeling a little wider for his cock and less uncomfortable, when I do it a second time he understands that it's okay and pulls out only halfway and then enters again with a slower movement Breathing hard

- Faster - I'm almost begging as I start to feel ready again, the easy slide of his cock because of how wet I've gotten from the first orgasm.

Max kisses me deeply, his tongue assaulting me in a slow kiss as he thrusts hard and goes all the way inside me, I gasp into his mouth and he swallows all my moans. The sound of our bodies fills the room, the thrusts getting faster and stronger, the hand that was on my ass goes up to my breast, paying attention to my nipples while the other holds him above me

- I'm so close," I say, still listening to his dirty whispers in my ear.

- "Then come for me, lick all over my cock," he murmurs and I almost scream at the shocks I feel when his fingers reach between us and rub my clit.

I feel another wave through my body, this one calm and spreading through all my limbs, without being that crazed explosion, every part seems to heat up, shivering and tensing and then the relief comes like gentle waves of the sea kissing my skin and sliding between my legs. I'm so soft and lost that it takes me a while to realize he's moved away, his sweaty chest no longer touching mine and the fabric of his pants rubbing against my legs.

Max turns me over on my stomach and puts a pillow under my belly. He slams both hands down on my ass, making a loud pop, and shoves his cock into me again without slowing down as before.

I've never been quiet during sex but I can't think of anything to say or do, I can only enjoy the sensation of him so deep inside me. I know he's about to come when his thrusts become frantic and erratic, his fingers press hard into my hips as I meet his movements, he pulls out again cursing and cursing and I feel the hot come hitting my back and ass, I turn to look at him over my shoulder, Max has his head thrown back, his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open, the veins in his forearm are so dilated that I can see the slightly green color, his shirt is open, his chest is heaving and I can still see his pants halfway down his thighs.

With a long sigh, he opens his eyes and smiles at me. With two fingers, he spreads his cum all over my ass and uses them to lightly stroke my asshole, making me tense up a little.

- Relax, little one, we've got all night - he reminds me with his other hand caressing my back, lightly slipping just the tip of his finger into the cluster of muscles and nerves and smiling again as I try not to tense up - Hasn't anyone ever played with you here?

- No, sir, Lord." I nod, smiling, still looking at him over my shoulder.

- Then let's take a shower, today everything you have will be mine. - Stretching out his hand to help me, since I looked weak...

I'd never dared to go into the bathroom of Max's suite, but once I went into his room when he wasn't there just to get another blanket because it was a cold night in New York and I felt like an intruder in that place.

Max always liked a lot of luxury, and his bathroom was no different, a rectangular bathtub that ran from one wall to the other, almost a swimming pool, not that I hadn't had luxury in my life, I had until the moment I took my father to be free, and I'm sure that if I hadn't done that, this night wouldn't be happening.

Max turned on the taps as the bath filled up, and I just watched him as he moved around, still in his clothes, standing in front of the sink, removing his rings, his Swiss watch, he looked at me in the mirror with a smile in his corner as I watched his every move sitting on the edge of the bath, waiting for the moment when my body would actually touch his... he was enjoying seeing the effect he was having on me.

- Come on, little one, I'll help you get in - taking me by the hand to help me

- Hey, but you...?

- Shiiiu, just obey me...

I've never been one to obey anyone, but he had me like under a spell, so I did, I sat in the bath, the water warm, he was still sitting outside, he took my hand, stuck two fingers in my mouth, making them wet.

He took my hand to the middle of my legs...

-When I'm not here, and you touch yourself, do you think of me? - pushing my hand deeper inside me and pulling it back

- "I-I do, sir," I said, biting my lower lip.

-And when you come, do you call my name?

- S- yes... - I moaned low, like a whimper, not sure if I was too shy to confess that I was thinking of him like that, or if my voice failed me because of the hard-on that was taking over my body.

- So now you're going to touch yourself, while I watch you until you come for me, little one...

He stood up, leaned against the sink, crossed his arms at chest height, he looked me up and down, as if he owned me, and that night, he did...

- Go on, you can start... he motioned with his head for me to start for him... and I readily obeyed...

I put one leg on either side of the bath, so that he could see me completely, I leaned my head back a little and left my hands where he put them, I felt the slight shocks on my clit as I moved my fingers up and down, Max just watched me with his lower lip bitten.

- Moan louder for me little one - he ordered

It didn't take much effort at that point, as I started to circle my fingers, I felt a wave of pleasure coming over me, and another orgasm coming as I whispered his name, just like those nights when I wanted him...

Max enjoyed everything to the end and approached the bathtub, I was still gasping from my last orgasm when I saw him finally take off his shirt, leaving it on the floor... and then his pants and underwear.

I adjusted myself in the bath as he got in and pulled me close to him, I felt his hands on the back of my neck and his lips on mine, a long kiss...

I could finally feel his body on mine, the touch of his skin on mine, as we kissed I enjoyed every bit of him with my hands, I squeezed his strong arms, smoothed my hands down his back a little, until I reached his ass, where I squeezed slowly and felt him smile in the middle of the kiss.

- I never thought that behind all your sweetness, you were hiding this horny woman - tucking my hair behind my ear

- Does that bother you?

- No, of course not, it surprised me in fact, in a positive way, I don't think I'd have the patience to teach you things - smiling

- Always overbearing, aren't you Maxwell Lord - squinting - Can I ask you a question?

- Of course...

- You said today that you've waited years for this... what do you mean? You're not going to tell me that since I was 18, like in those novels we read and the guy is just waiting for the girl to come of age and? - he interrupts me

- Buurf - he snorts - Of course not, it was later... actually - he seems to remember when it was - Remember a Thanksgiving about five years ago?

- And how can I forget...

- It was that day, you were already 21, in college, doing law, and in the middle of dinner, while your father was talking about what your life would be like, you stood up and said you'd dropped out of college four months ago

- My father almost had a heart attack that day - I remember with wide eyes

- Yes, the vein in his forehead popped out - Max laughs as he remembers the scene - 

That's when I saw you as a woman for the first time... and then when you came with the excuse of training the horses at the stud farm, because you had nowhere to stay, since your father had cut down everything?

- But I really wanted to train the horses... I just wanted to combine the useful with the pleasant

- Did you know that I started visiting that stud farm more after you went there? And I loved watching you from the balcony in the late afternoon while you rode...

I'd never seen you like that, talking about your memories with such sincerity, even more so with me...

- So you mean I was in Max Lord's thoughts? - I try to be overbearing, but he doesn't answer, he just raises an eyebrow at me, pulling me closer to him as he glues his mouth to mine again...

His kiss is slow, but hard, as if he doesn't want to lose any of me there, one of his hands holding me by the back of the neck, under my hair, and the other gluing me to him, down my hips, lifting one of my legs, I feel his thumb passing through my bct, I moan softly into his mouth, he sticks his thumb in quickly before going down a little further, I feel the tension when he starts to caress my ass, and he says into my mouth.

-Just relax

My body trembles, I hold him by the nape of the neck as he thrusts deeper and deeper, letting out low moans still in his mouth...

- Max...

He continues until he's halfway in, and pulls it back out, slowly making his way back in, his mouth descending to my neck, while I felt his tongue licking it, he played with my ass as he wanted...

- It won't be good for you here - he whispered in my ear - Let's go back to bed, so I can fuck your ass…

************************************************************************

Max lay down on top of me, pulled the hair out of my face and kissed me affectionately

- I promise I'll be careful, I just need you to trust me, okay, little one? Brushing his nose against my cheek

I just nodded, I was tense, but I wanted him there so much...

Max put me on my side and lay down behind me, like a little mattress, I felt his bare chest touch my back and his lips kissed the back of my neck, going down to my shoulders, his hand was now searching for my pussy, he opened me up a little to reach my clit, making me wet again, he ran his fingers inside it, taking as much of my libido as he could, and began to caress my ass calmly while still kissing the back of my neck, I felt the head of his huge cock forcing its way in, my body tensed.

- shiiiiii, calm down, if it hurts, just tell me

Him whispering in my ear was just what I needed to relax, my hand gripping the mattress as I felt him invading me, at first I thought it would hurt more, but I was anesthetized and held by Max's huge arms, he kept thrusting halfway in, his hand started holding my neck, taking the air out of me a little, as if he was going to suffocate me, I felt his hot breath in my ear

- You're so tight, baby," he snorted.

I thrust my hips more towards him, causing more of his cock to enter me, I felt him gasp and hold my hips, Max started to pump hard and slow while moaning and whispering in my ear, his hand went down from my hip to my clit where he started to touch me while he pounded faster and faster into my ass, I was in ecstasy, feeling his hips already hitting my ass, and his moans getting louder and louder

- Come for me again little one - as he circled my clit with his fingers - I'm going to come inside your ass now

I'd lost count of how many times Max had made me come so far, but I could feel the next wave coming, and God, him pumping so deep into my ass was really driving me crazy...

I thrust my hips even more as I came, and I called his name loudly MAX... I gasped loudly and heard him moan, straddling me as he pumped his entire cock into my ass, Max moaned loudly and stroked his face through my hair, and I felt him come inside me, his sweaty body glued to mine as our breathing returned to normal, I felt him slowly pull out of me

- You were great, little one - he whispered in my ear - better than in my fantasies...

Max turned me towards him, smoothing my hair out of my face... he smoothed my cheek and kissed my forehead, then went down to my mouth, lay down and pulled me to his chest...

When I woke up Max wasn't in bed with me. If it weren't for the insistent pain in all the right places on my body I might think it was just another one of my torrid dreams about him, but the throbbing pain in my pussy and ass won't let me forget that so quickly

Good Mr. Maxwell Lord, I look forward to your next visit...

PEDRITA PASCAL

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

A is for Azerbaijan

The headwaters of the Kura River, Azerbaijan’s longest waterway, lie in the mountains of northeastern Türkiye. From there, the Kura winds through the forested hills and valleys of the Lesser Caucuses before turning east and heading toward Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. The river continues westward into Azerbaijan and drains eventually into the Mingachevir and Varvara reservoirs, which were built by the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the 1940s and 1950s, respectively.

Suspended sediment, silty banks, and a shallow downstream gradient encourage growth of the winding, snake-like curves and bends in the river known as meanders. Water flowing through these bends tends to be deeper and flow more quickly along the outer edge, where it carves a cutbank, while shallower, slower-moving water deposits a point bar along the inner edge. Over time, the bends can become so sharp and elongated that the river loops back onto itself and cuts the meander off, forming a separate U-shaped (or C-shaped) body of water called an oxbow lake.These erosional processes formed the curvy, A-shaped lake shown above. The A’s cross-hatch likely formed before the lake separated from the main river channel. As the bend elongated, the river likely formed a new, more direct channel bisecting the bend. The OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 9 acquired this image on September 2, 2024. The image below shows a broader view of the same area.

That A-shaped lake, known locally as Ozero Akhmaz, is one of several oxbow lakes flanking the main channel of the river. These isolated features typically display darker blue water because they contain less suspended sediment than the main channel of the river.

While natural processes often form meanders and oxbow lakes, human activity has also transformed the landscape. In addition to dams, a network of canals runs through the scene on both sides of the river, conveying water to farmland and towns. This irrigation system makes it easier to grow a variety of crops, including cotton, barley, millet, wheat, sunflowers, fruits, and vegetables, in the region’s cold, semi-arid climate.

Industry including textiles, manufacturing, and mining are also present, particularly in and around Mingachevir, a growing city that is now the fourth-largest city in Azerbaijan. Fishing and intensive use of the river have reduced the number of species that live in the Kura, but there are efforts to replenish some species. The fish farm visible on the north bank of the river (top image), for instance, raises sturgeon and herring to bolster populations of these prized animals.

Lake Akhmaz is one of dozens of letter-shaped features on Earth’s surface curated by NASA’s Landsat outreach team. The images are part of an interactive tool that allows users to compose names or other words using Landsat images of Earth. For more information about some of the letters, see Earth Observatory’s 2012 Reading the ABCs from Space story.

NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

A River Contrasts and Inequalities in the Arid Lands of Brazil

Osmir da Silva Rubez refuses to join the drip system, and is the only one among the 51 families living in the Mandacaru Public Irrigation Project in Juazeiro, a municipality in the state of Bahia, in the Northeast region of Brazil, to maintain the furrows that carry water to their crops.

The São Francisco River, which rises in the state of Minas Gerais, near the centre of Brazil, and flows northeast, has boosted irrigated agriculture in its 2,863 kilometres, much of it in semi-arid territory, with rainfall averaging between 200 and 800 millimetres per year.

It is a privileged basin, located in a region that suffers from water scarcity, especially in the increasingly recurrent droughts, when small rivers and streams dry up.

Water availability, immense due to the river's large flow, was increased by the construction of two hydroelectric dams North and South of Juazeiro, a city of 238,000 people, which has developed a fruit-growing industry, mainly for export.

Mangoes and grapes are the main local crops, grown on large private farms and in the irrigation projects of the state-owned São Francisco and Parnaíba Valley Development Company (Codevasf). Export activity highlights the contrasts and inequalities of the so-called Semi-arid ecoregion.

Continue reading.

[chroniclingworlds]

Proboscoids

Like their relatives the Vesicae, the Proboscoids have a strangely rounded body and unusual skeletal structure. The Proboscoids take this to the extreme with almost no neck and a head nearly fused into their body. This may have evolved as a defense against predators, as the neck is a target and a more rounded body has fewer vulnerable points. To reach food and water, their jaws have developed bizarrely, on a long flexible trunk connected to the body with only the highly extended esophagus and flexible soft tissue.

Worm-mouths

Pictured: the spotted worm-mouth, native to the open woodlands south of the Black Mountains.

These are iconic Proboscoids, with incredibly round bodies and a long, tentacle-like prehensile mouth. Because of the highly specialized nature of the jaws, they do not have room for a full jawbone, and instead just contain a sharp bony nub for snipping off leaves, which are swallowed whole. Smaller and swifter than their relatives, they roam the plains in herds and sprint off at the slightest sign of danger. When they run, the trunk is lifted and tucked up against their head and back, keeping it out of the way.

Snouties

Pictured: the woodland squeaker, named for the strange high-pitched alarm calls they make, found on the outskirts of the far eastern Southern Forest.

With a very flexible upper lip, the Snouties are named for their ability to grasp and hold things with this “snout”. The Snouties have the most muscles and nerves of any Proboscoids, making the mouth incredibly dexterous and sensitive, almost able to operate like a hand. They have even been seen delicately picking parasites off each other. Living along the fringes of the southern forest, they reach up into trees to feed on tender leaves and fruiting bodies. Generally these animals are very shy and hang around in the shadows of the forest, nervously keeping watch for predators.

SawBacks

Pictured: the sickle-claw SawBack, native to the plains of the Eastern Rise.

These creatures have a shorter, stiffer trunk with more developed bone-teeth for feeding on tough desert plants that grow on the seasonal plains. And that isn’t all they use their sharp teeth for; they have also been observed eating small animals, making them the only known Proboscoids to engage in omnivorous activity. With ridged armor on their backs and an elongated claw on their second toe for self-defense, they are difficult for predators to take down. They are also known to be somewhat aggressive, charging defensively at any perceived threat.

Orbiphants

Pictured: the white-crested Orbiphant, the species once used as war mounts in a famed Xaraka battle, found on the plains between the Pinnacles and the Black Mountains.

The largest of the Proboscoids, these animals roam the midlands in herds of up to 20. Their trunks are shorter and lined with bony projections for grinding food as it travels down the esophagus, making them very effective at feeding on tough semi-arid plants. These are far-roaming seasonal migrants, often spending summers in the open woodlands fringing the Southern Sea and winters in the hot savannas surrounding seasonal watering holes. Although they are far from being considered “domesticated”, there is at least one Xaraka culture that historically used these as riding war-beasts. Several villages west of the Black Mountains still have a familiar relationship with them and allow the animals to feed from their farms.

[coherentmarketinsights]

Golden Grains: The Flourishing Barley Industry in Latin America

Barley Production in Latin America History and Development of Barley Farming Barley has a long history of cultivation in Latin America, dating back to periods of colonial rule when European settlers first brought the crop to the region. Initially barley was mainly grown for livestock feed, as many areas were well suited to pasture-based animal agriculture. Over time barley began to be used more for human consumption as well, as brewing industries developed and barley emerged as a popular ingredient in beers, spirits and foods throughout Latin America. Early barley varieties cultivated in Latin America were often six-row types common to Europe at the time. However, farmers eventually began selecting strains better adapted to local growing conditions like heat, drought and diseases. Two-row varieties in particular proved hardier and yielded more consistently than six-row types. By the late 19th century, improved two-row varieties from Canada and other parts of North America were being introduced and adopted across much of Latin America. Major Barley Producing Nations Argentina is currently the largest barley producer in Latin America, growing over 4 million tons annually on over 1.5 million harvested hectares. The vast Pampas region is highly conducive to barley with fertile soils and a climate resembling the Mediterranean. Nearly all Argentine barley is malting quality, destined for use in beer. Mexico is also a substantial barley grower, producing around 650,000 tons per year. The high plains and valleys of Northern Mexico near the U.S. border have semi-arid conditions well suited to barley. Much Mexican barley goes to domestic breweries and distilleries. Other significant barley growing nations in Latin America include Chile, which harvests around 300,000 tons from its central valley regions, as well as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, each producing 50,000-150,000 tons annually focused on regional malting and brewing needs. Varieties, Production Practices and Yields The vast majority of barley grown in Latin America is spring-planted, as winter temperatures remain above freezing across much of the region. Common varieties include MCC and INTA which have shown good disease resistance, yield potential and malting qualities in Argentina. In Mexico popular varieties include Baguette, Nevada and Antelope due to adaptability in the arid north. Standard barley production practices in Latin America incorporate tillage, seed treatments, fertilization and weed/pest control as needed. Irrigation is important in many areas to ensure adequate moisture during critical growth stages like flowering and grain fill. With modern hybrids and optimal conditions, average barley yields in Latin America range from 2.5-4 tons per hectare, comparable to yields in other major barley growing regions worldwide. End Uses and Markets By far the largest portion of barley grown in Latin America, around 80-90%, is utilized for malt in beer production. Leading brewing companies sourcing Latin American barley include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, Grupo Modelo and Quilmes. The remainder of barley production is often sold as livestock feed, particularly in Argentina which has a large animal agriculture sector. Growing export markets for Latin American malting barley include Mexico shipping to the United States under NAFTA, and Argentina exporting to Asia as well as major maltsters in Europe and North America. Regional trade also exists, such as Chile exporting to breweries in other South American nations. With steady yield gains and quality improvements, Latin America's barley industry continues to expand avenues for trade on the global stage. Future Prospects and Challenges Nonetheless, further increases in barley yields will depend on ongoing varietal improvement, adequate irrigation infrastructure and climate change adaptation. Rising temperatures and variable rainfall bring risks of drought stress and disease pressures. Water scarcity and competition from other crops also pose threats.

[research-related-blogs]

Growing Green Farming- Exploring Potential of Biofertilizers Market

Biofertilizers does role of protecting soil by destroying many harmful substances present in soil causing crop diseases. In semi-arid conditions, biofertilizers enhance crop productivity and the quality of agricultural products. Soil microbes influence crop growth as they can improve nitrogen content in soil. Sustainable practices have gained traction of attention in farming practices and products leading to farmers' preference for green fertilizers.

The Biofertilizers market is foreseen to grow with a CAGR of 12.2% in 2021-2028. This market has the potential to surpass a valuation of USD 4,474.43 million by 2028.

Growing population driving demand for food security. This is foreseen to create crop production pressure on farmers. Probing the need for healthy agriculture contributed to garnering attention on biofertilizers. Soil quality, water, and fertilizers are determinants of healthy agriculture. Biofertilizers are the best alternative to chemical fertilizers when added to the soil they promote fertility.

With time arable land loses its yield capacity where fortification with fertilizer is needed. Biofertilizers are natural sources to promote nutrition uptake in crops and eventually lead to growth. Consumers globally started to shift towards organic food which begins right from sustainable farming and ends with clean-label products at shelves. Biofertilizers have resistance to environmental stress and they mobile growth hormones. Rising food safety concerns around the globe are foreseen to create a lucrative space for organic products and biofertilizers.

[garyquayphotography]

“Along Hay Canyon Road, Sherman County, Oregon”

©2023 Gary L. Quay

Gaia and I were in The Dalles to have some work done on the car, and they gave me a rental.

So...

We drove out to find a place I haven't been to in 13 years. I was looking for a road with a sign that read "Harmony". That turned out to be Hay Canyon Road. It's a road bespckled with cattle and sagebrush, and is one of those places that oozes with western charm. I'm reading a book written by a homesteader / rancher from eastern Oregon, so I also understand (and in reality, I've understood for a long time) that it oozes with hardscrabble, holding on by your fingernails semi-arid farming. My hat is off to those people.

Camera: Nikon D810

Lens: 50mm Nikon

#nikon #pacificnorthwest #garyquay #oregon #viewfromhere #shermancounty #d810 #springtime #monkland

[stiplroofz]

 Benefits of Shade Nets in Agriculture - Stilpagritech

In contemporary agriculture, apparently negligible variables make or break a harvest. It has certainly been something of a surprise to evolve shade nets as game-changers in modern farming. These versatile tools help farmers manage sunlight, temperature, and humidity to create an ideal environment to grow crops. In an increasingly unstable climate, shade nets can be relied upon to counter such threats as scorching heat, too much rain, and pest attacks.

What Are Shade Nets?

Shade nets are special kinds of fabrics that are utilized in agriculture for the regulation of sunlight exposure on crops while controlling environmental stresses on them. There are numerous varieties of shading percentages from 30% to 90%. The ideal net can thus be selected by the farmer as required by the needs of the crops.

These shade nets are heavily constructed of durable materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is UV-resistant and the most durable in performance. Shade nets diffuse sunlight, thus creating an environment for healthier plant growth with minimal outside damage.

How Shade Nets Work in Agriculture

Shade net serves as a shield between crops and the outer environment. It primarily functions to filter the intensity of sunlight so that crops receive just the right dose of it to help them photosynthesize. With this, they regulate temperature and humidity while developing a microclimate favoring growth.

Moreover, shade nets protect crops against heavy rainfalls, hailstorms, and strong wind, which otherwise may injure crops and decline yield. They are highly effective in mitigating negative effects of extreme weather; hence, they are now indispensable in modern farming.

Important Benefits of the Application of Shade Nets

Improved Crop Yield and Quality

Shading nets play a critical role in both increasing the quantity and improving crop quality. They ensure that light is used in an equal manner, eliminating the chances of any scorching or under-developed produce. Lettuce, spinach, capsicum, and orchid flowers are some of the crops that do exceptionally well in shade nets and, therefore, yield better produce, fetching higher market prices.

Water Saving in Farming

Shade nets help conserve water by reducing evaporation rates. This is very effective for the farmers in arid and semi-arid regions, as for most them, water scarcity is an issue. Shade nets maintain soil moisture levels and thus support efficient irrigation practices to conserve both resources and costs.

Pest and Disease Control

Barriers Against Pests and Insects: The shade nets can also act as barriers to pests and insects that attack plants. Such nets exclude harmful bugs like aphids and whiteflies, reducing reliance on the use of chemical pesticides. This is not only cost-effective for production but also in line with the ethos of organic farming.

Improved Microclimate Conditions: These shade nets produce a stable microclimate that protects crops from frost, heatwaves, or sudden temperature drops; therefore, plants can thrive under stress conditions without unnecessary stress, and produce healthier and more resilient produce.

Applications of Shade Nets in Various Farming Systems

Horticulture

Shade nets are applied widely in the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Within these nets, crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, roses, and gerberas acquire controlled environments.

Nursery and Plant Propagation

Shade nets can be even ideal for nurseries when saplings require protection from excessive exposure to the sun and a series of temperature fluctuations. They facilitate higher responses in the germinating of seeds and healthier seedlings.

Aquaculture and Livestock Farming

Aquaculture: A shade net avoids algae blooms and maintains water temperature.

Livestock Farming: On livestock farming, it provides shade for animals to maintain comfort in raising animals meant for production.

Economic Benefits of Shade Nets

Long-term Cost-Effectiveness

High initial investment for setting up the shade nets seems daunting, but in the long term, they help save money. The direct result of improved yield quality and savings in input costs (for example, water or pesticides) saves even more money in the long term.

Better Quality and Value of Crop in the Market

With the use of shade nets, crops are harvested with higher quality and appearance so that there is an increased market value. This is especially true for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, where quality often dictates the market value.

Return on Investment for Farmers

Adoption of shade nets offers a reliable and predictable crop yield and minimizes risks linked to crop failures due to weather. This makes financial planning of their crops better and more profit-making for farmers.

Environmental Benefits

Supports Sustainable Agriculture

Shade nets support the culture of sustainable farming since they avoid wastage of resources and minimize inputs that are not renewable. Inputs of water are mitigated; it promotes organic farm operations.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Shade nets reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Shade nets also save water, an attribute that conserves energy used in pumping and irrigation.

Decreased Chemical Inputs

The protective sheeting from shade nets diminishes the infestation and incidence of pests and diseases, thereby reducing reliance on chemical treatments. This not only is beneficial to the environment but also allows consumers to enjoy healthier produce.

Installation and Maintenance of Shade Nets

How to Install Shade Nets Correctly

Pre-installation: Choose an ideal place with proper drainage.

Framework: Create strong poles or a metal frame that will support the net.

Installation of the Net: Tighten the shade net over the framework-ensure that it is tight and well-tied.

Tethering: Write the rope or clips to correctly secure the net in place so that it will not be caught by a strong wind.

Excellent Practices of Regular Maintenance for the Longest Life Ever

Regularly inspect the net for any tears or damage.

Clean the nets sometimes to remove dust and debris that may hinder sunlight penetration.

Proper storage during off-season can increase life expectancy.

Common Errors Never to Make

Failure to apply proper shading percentages for individual crops.

Failure to install the net in an appropriate manner as it damages during adverse weather.

Over-exposure of crops because the net is never adjusted as growth varies.

Issues and Inability

High Cost of Installation

The installation of shade nets, in terms of materials and labor, entails a great amount of upfront costs that frighten small-scale farmers. However, in most regions, there is provision for subsidies, as well as schemes by the government to balance those costs.

Risk of Overuse and Unbalanced Light Exposure

Shading can expose crops to inadequate sunlight for growth. It is necessary to know when light exposure should be given in order not to have stunted growth.

Recommendations to Overcome Challenges

Access financial assistance programs to manage installation costs.

Seek expert guidance to select the right type of shade net for your farm.

Use adjustable shade nets to optimize light exposure during different crop stages.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Shade Net Farming

Example 1: Tomato Farming in India

A farmer in Maharashtra claimed to have seen a 40 percent increase in yield after installing shade nets. The controlled environment prevented fruit cracking and improved quality, fetching him higher prices in the market.

Example 2: Flower Cultivation

Shade nets have been widely used by flower florists in Kenya when growing high-value flowers like roses and lilies. Diverse blooms made flowering petals susceptible to pest infestation and weather-related fluctuations, ensuring that exports met international standards.

Statistical Insights

Studies testifying the yield enhancement in farms under shade nets can be anywhere between 20-50% and reduce the consumption of water by 30% as compared to open-field farming.

Selecting Appropriate Shade Net for Farm

Consider

Crop Type: Determine the light necessity for your crop.

Climate: Consider the regional weather pattern and seasonal variation.

Shading Percentage: The choices are 30%, 50% or 75% as per the necessity of sunlight.

Future Developments in Shade Net Technology

Intelligent Shade Nets with Computerized Control

Sophisticated shade nets with sensors and automatic control. The shade is controlled by programmed algorithms in real-time about the actual weather and the needs of a crop to maintain maximum efficiency.

Materials and Designs Development

There is the development of new materials that will offer more endurance and UV protection. Thus, new generation nets are lighter, stronger, and greener.

Role in Vertical and Urban Farming

Shade nets are also applied in vertical gardens and on rooftop farms with a view to providing light and temperature control in the urban farming setup. It is slowly taking shape as an indispensable component in sustainable urban agriculture.

Conclusion

Shade nets are more than just protective covers; they are essential tools that enhance agricultural productivity while supporting sustainable practices. From increasing crop yield and reducing water usage to providing environmental benefits, shade nets are transforming modern farming. Whether you’re a small-scale grower or a commercial farmer, investing in shade nets can unlock new possibilities for success.

[commercialroplants]

Find The Best Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer In Noida ?

Noida is regarded as one of the cities with the most rapid growth in the commercial region of U.P. The city faces significant problems related to a shortage of fresh water because of its arid climate, temperature, & restricted freshwater supplies. To address these challenges, Netsol Water is the most reliable & effective Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer In Noida.

What is the underlying reason behind Noida's water problems & challenges?

Limited Freshwater Resources: Lakes, rivers, & various other freshwater resources are scarce in Noida. Even while groundwater is a valuable supply of water, its depletion at such rates is not acceptable.

High Freshwater Utilization & Exploitation: As the population grows, & rising industrial advancements, there is an increasing need for water. Agriculture especially consumes a lot of water resources. Water is wasted while implementing traditional irrigation techniques like flood irrigation.

Too much groundwater extraction: In some places, shortages of aquifers driven due to excess groundwater pumping for urban & agricultural applications can result in a reduction in land area. Because of excessive extraction, the water table has dropped, & as a consequence, there is now more salt in the groundwater than there was previously.

Waste & Ineffective Water Management: Ineffective water distribution systems & agricultural practices are the main causes of water loss. The problem is made worse by over usage of water, a dearth of conservation efforts, & poor water supply management techniques.

The Effects of Climate Change: Availability of water may be impacted by the changing climate. In semi-arid regions, variations in precipitation & warming temperatures can put additional strain on water supplies.

What actions is Noida taking in response to the water crisis?

The various plans & initiatives that Noida has put in place to address its water crisis.

Better Methods of Conserving Water:

The city has implemented water conservation programs to promote water use in a variety of specific industries, such as industry and agriculture. Along with other top-notch irrigation methods and technologies, water-saving agricultural practices like drip irrigation are being promoted.

Campaigns to raise public awareness aim to educate individuals about the importance of regularly protecting water for all employees.

Leading Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer in Noida have expanded raw water recycling as well as reutilization as a result of the city's acceptance of the expanding potential of treated raw water as a valued resource.

The city actively promotes recycling, which is followed by the recycling of cleaned untreated water for non-potable purposes, including industrial processes, commercial activities including large-scale toilet flushing in shopping centers, gardening, & perhaps agricultural irrigation. Commercial RO Plant is the best commercial ro plant manufacturer in noida at best affordable price and the quality.

In addition to solving the issue of water contamination, this preserves freshwater from a more advanced & effective commercial RO plant. If the following procedures are followed, it may be possible to utilize such treated water in more effective ways:

Putting Smart Agriculture Practices into Practice:

Noida is implementing smart farming techniques to optimize the utilization of water in agriculture. To determine soil moisture levels as well as optimize irrigation schedules, precision agricultural technology combines sensors with data analytics. This technique increases agricultural productivity while utilizing less water.

Strategic Water Distribution & Storage:

The city is making investments in world-class advanced infrastructure for water distribution & storage. This entails constructing lakes & reservoirs to catch as well as store rainfall as it falls, along with effective water distribution networks to minimize losses during travel.

Rigorous Scientific Study & Related Development:

Nearly all water management-related research & innovation receives active financial support from Noida. Through cooperation with local as well as global research organizations, novel techniques & methods are being invented to address the problem of water scarcity.

Innovative water purification techniques & drought-tolerant crops are only two examples of how innovation plays a major role in Noida's water monitoring policy.

Public Education & Awareness:

Realizing the importance of public participation, Noida has begun awareness campaigns to educate its citizens about conserving water.

Water conservation practices both at residential house along with the corporate office are encouraged, as is the installation of water-efficient equipment, attachments, & additional fixtures. However, the obligation to conserve water is continuous.

Why is Commercial RO Plant In Noida necessary?

Commercial RO Plant treats raw water which has a significant impact on protecting the environment & public health. These facilities are made to gather, process, & dispose of wastewater after purification of water that is produced by a variety of sources, such as commercial, industrial, & residential activities.

Conclusion

The primary goal of a commercial RO plant is to remove contaminants & impurities from the effluent water that is produced after the water has been purified, before reintroducing it into the environment.

Following Company i.e., Netsol Water have been referred as the Top Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer In Noida.

Netsol Water is a global company with expertise in raw water & wastewater treatment. The primary raw water treatment options provided by Netsol Water include membrane technology for RO Systems as well as several other advanced treatments like ultra filtration & the ultra violet system.

[rjzimmerman]

Manyara Ranch: African Wildlife Foundation

Good story from the African Wildlife Federation. Tap/click on the caption to get to the PDF version of the report.

Excerpt:

A long time ago, the people of Tanzania and their livestock adopted to living alongside wildlife. For millennia, the Maasai have tracked the movements of wildebeests to identify good grazing; the favorite hideouts of lions to avoid attacks on cattle; and the presence of oxpeckers to know if dangerous buffalo are nearby.

In the past 60 years, however, drastic changes have come to the Maasai Steppe, a large semi-arid grassland ecosystem in north-central Tanzania. Large-scale farms, the expansion of safari tourism, the creation of national parks, and restricted access to once communally used land have squeezed the rangeland available to livestock. With more cattle on less land, grasslands are becoming overgrazed. The spread of human settlements and agriculture have blocked age-old wildlife migration routes, leading to more frequent—and sometimes deadly��confrontations between people and animals. And climate change, which has intensified droughts and upended rainfall patterns, is escalating competition for green grass and fresh water, pushing even more pastoralists to agriculture.

Anchoring the Maasai Steppe are Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, where the shores of the eponymous river and lake abound with wildlife in the dry season. The steppe is home to some of the world’s most abundant and diverse wildlife, including one of the largest—and growing– populations of elephants in Africa (recovering from heavy poaching in the 1970s and 1980s) and the only stronghold of the eastern white-bearded wildebeests. The ability to move between the parks and beyond them into the plains is crucial for the survival of many of the ecosystem’s most iconic species, including elephants and wildebeests. But safe, unimpeded pathways are becoming scarce. In between the two parks, in the all-important Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor, sits a patchwork of villages, farms, large herds of livestock, grasslands—and Manyara Ranch.

Since 2001, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has championed a unique conservation model for the ranch, starting with negotiations with the government to form a land conservation trust to make the ranch a conservation space. Beginning in 2013, we took over direct management of the ranch, balancing the working cattle ranch with habitat restoration and wildlife conservation—a new model for Tanzania.While Tanzania’s pastoralists generally are prohibited from bringing livestock into national parks, cattle are a nonnegotiable part of the region’s economy and culture. Therefore, successful conservation of land outside formal protected areas depends on the sustainable coexistence of livestock and wildlife, particularly along migration routes where wildlife move outside of the boundaries of the parks. Manyara Ranch is a vital link along one of those migration routes. It helps connect the national parks to each other and to the wet-season grazing grounds of the Northern Plains, described as the “last, best remaining breeding ground” for the ecosystem’s migrating wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and others. In addition to the migrating animals that seasonally pass through, the ranch today is home to resident giraffes, lions, and many other iconic African species—as well as more than a thousand cattle.

The lease to the land is now held by the Monduli District Council, and the day-to-day running of the ranch is managed by the Manyara Ranch Management Trust, composed of representatives from the Monduli council, two local villages, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, and AWF.

“The vision for a project like this is to bring management expertise to the local stakeholders. We want to think inclusively and really focus on creating local partnership in decision-making regarding operations,” said Pastor Magingi, AWF’s Tanzania Country Coordinator.

[bharatvarsh22]

The Leading Vermicompost Manufacturer in Nagpur

Have you ever wondered how you could make your garden flourish without using harmful chemicals? How can agriculture become more sustainable and eco-friendly? The answer lies in the power of nature itself – vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is the process of using earthworms to turn organic waste into high-quality compost, rich in nutrients and beneficial for plants. 

The semi-arid climate and abundance of agricultural waste make Nagpur an ideal location for vermicomposting. A growing number of companies are adopting vermicomposting technology here to convert organic waste into high-quality organic fertilizer. The city has emerged as a major hub for vermicompost production in India.

Unveiling the Powerhouse: Leading Vermicompost Manufacturers in Nagpur and Beyond Nagpur, the “Tiger Capital of India,” is not just known for its majestic wildlife but also for its flourishing agricultural scene. As sustainability takes center stage, organic farming practices are gaining momentum.  Vermicompost, a nutrient-rich wonder produced by earthworms, plays a crucial role in this movement.

This natural method of waste management is gaining popularity, and leading the charge in Nagpur is Bharatvarsh Nature Farm. But what makes Bharatvarsh Nature Farm stand out in the realm of vermicomposting? Let’s delve deeper into their journey and explore their contributions to sustainable agriculture.

What is Vermicomposting?

Vermicomposting is a method of composting that uses worms to decompose organic matter. These worms, often red wigglers, consume organic waste and produce castings, which are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. This process not only reduces waste but also creates a superior fertilizer that enhances soil health and promotes robust plant growth.

Why Vermicomposting is Essential for Sustainable Agriculture

In an era where sustainability is crucial, vermicomposting presents a viable solution to several environmental challenges. Traditional chemical fertilizers can harm the environment, leaching into waterways and disrupting ecosystems. Vermicompost, on the other hand, is an organic alternative that enriches the soil naturally. It enhances soil structure, increases water retention, and provides plants with a slow-release source of essential nutrients.

Vermicompost provides many benefits over traditional compost. The worms’ digestive process aerates the organic matter and creates bioavailable nutrients through microbial activity. This results in a homogenous, fine-textured compost that has higher levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and beneficial microorganisms compared to traditional composting methods. Studies have shown vermicompost can enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields, and promote plant growth. It’s a sustainable organic alternative to chemical fertilizers

Bharatvarsh Nature Farm: A Pioneer in Vermicomposting

Located in Nagpur, Bharatvarsh Nature Farm is at the forefront of vermicomposting in India. Their mission is to promote sustainable agriculture through the production and use of high-quality vermicompost.

Here’s why they are considered the best in the business:

Quality Products

Bharatvarsh Nature Farm takes pride in the quality of its vermicompost. They follow stringent processes to ensure that their compost is rich in nutrients and free from harmful pathogens. Their product is known for its consistency and effectiveness in improving soil health and plant growth.

Sustainable Practices

The farm operates on sustainable principles, ensuring that its processes have minimal environmental impact. They use local organic waste, reducing landfill burden and promoting a circular economy. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products to their entire operation, making them a model for other farms to follow.

Continue Reading: https://bharatvarshnaturefarms.com/vermicompost-manufacturer-in-nagpur/

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil faces dilemma: endangered macaw vs. wind farm

A wind farm in northeastern Brazil sounds like a welcome climate-friendly energy solution, but it is causing controversy over another kind of environmental worry: the impact on the endangered Lear's macaw.

Home to more than 90 percent of Brazil's booming wind-power industry, the northeast is known for strong, steady winds that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants to harness to power a green-energy revolution.

The region has drawn the interest of French renewable energy company Voltalia, which broke ground in 2021 on a 28-turbine, 100-megawatt wind farm in semi-arid Canudos county, in the state of Bahia.

But the project soon came under attack when it emerged that the enormous turbines, with their 120-meter (nearly 400-foot) diameter blades -- a known threat to birds in flight -- were being built in a nesting region for the Lear's macaw, a bright blue parrot also known as the indigo macaw, or by its scientific name Anodorhynchus leari.

Continue reading.